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ST. LOUIS—Finally, there appears to be hope that the hockey lockout won’t wipeout the entire NHL season.

After the league cancelled the annual Winter Classic, its showcase event, it seemed likely that the rest of the season would be lost. The players and owners couldn’t even agree on when or where to hold new negotiating sessions. But progress has been made over the last few days, and more bargaining sessions are scheduled.

I talked with Blues head coach Kim Hitchcock Wednesday and he said he’s optimistic that the two sides will soon reach an agreement.

Hitchcock said he’s not allowed to have personal contact with the players right now, and doesn’t even know where most of them are. He says he has no worries about his guys staying in shape during the lockout, and thinks he could have them ready to play an NHL game in about a week, once the lockout is settled.

The Blues have one of the best young teams in the league, and Hitchcock says it’d be a shame to lose this season when the window of opportunity closes quickly on a roster.